Pioneering trans student picks up Community Organizing Award

LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS — Trans student Nicole Maines, now a junior, picked up the Hardy Girls Healthy Women’s Community Organizing Award for her role in advocating for trans rights.

Maines, you may recall, was at the center of a Maine high court ruling that recognized trans students right to use the bathroom of their choice. Among other things, she has educated state legislators, appeared on public radio and volunteered at Equality Maine as part of her campaign to advocate for trans people.

The award is part of the organization’s Girls Rock Awards 2014. The group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of girls and women. Their vision is empowering girls and that they all experience equality, independence, and safety in their lives.

I imagine that Ms. Maines had no idea how big her story would become and how many people all around the world would refer to her and her family as an example of how much can be done by just one person or just a few people. Life for many of us is hard enough, and when the spotlight is right on us, well. . . all I can say is, you and your family handled it very well. Thank you!!